In addition, I am far more addicted to texting than to phone calls (with the exception of coaching calls, I almost never talk on the phone). It is to the point where I almost feel naked without my phone. It actually bothers me to think that I have let it get to this level!

When I seek to “unwind” , it has been to internet-surfing on my laptop nearly every single night. This past week, I decided to make a change. I posted one Instagram post and one Facebook post. This is a decrease of about 6 posts per week. And guess what? I lived. AND… I feel better for it. I didn’t feel the need to sit there and browse someone else’s life, when I was busy creating and sifting through my own!

Yes, social media is a wonderful networking tool, when used correctly. And that being said, I am ALL for that type of social power! However, when you find yourself comparing aspects of your life to the glamorous Instagram accounts out there, you may recognize that you feel a bit down on yourself. I am by no means blaming social media on anyone feeling this way, but I am sure you can think of a time when you saw something of “perfection” and jumped to a comparison thought right away as to why YOU cannot have that. I know I have to constantly remind myself, as a perfectionist, that there is no such thing as perfect. Only perception. And perception is everything. We can choose to perceive things as intangible or unattainable, or we can decide that anything is possible. We create our own version of success, and that is individual for each and every person.

Make a vow to yourself…take a few hours each week to:

a) Power OFF. Put down your phone / laptop for a few hours on a Sunday or any evening.

b) ENGAGE. Have an actual conversation with loved ones, read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, cook, or play a game.

c) Open yourself up. ACCEPT and love each and every other “account” out there for what it is and for what it offers, instead of constantly comparing yourself.

My personal promise to myself is to be fully present in each and every moment; to actuallyfeel the real, live emotions (not e-motions); and to remember that if I genuinely love life, it will love me back.

“To lose our connection with the body is to become spiritually homeless. Without an anchor we float aimlessly, battered by the winds and waves of life.” –Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith